OC Family - Moms. Kids. Life. - (According to Kelly)

The Affair.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:41:00 GMT

I'm feeling a bit a guilty, so I think it's time to confess: For the past couple of months I have been having an affair. If you want to get technical, it's probably more of an occurrence of "two-timing"...

You see, I love to run.

That's right, I actually enjoy exercise! And for me, running is where it is at. I love being out on the open road. Feeling the pavement under my sneakers, the wind in my face. Running is "me" time. It's my opportunity to be selfish. As one of my favorite running shirts reads "it's cheaper than therapy."

Now that you have a little background, let's get back to explaining the torrid affair. For Christmas I got a bike. It had been on my list, but I hadn't really put much thought in to it. I'm not a cyclist. I took up spinning that last month or so of my pregnancy, and I thought it was fun. But that was the extent of my cycling experience.

Struggling to come up with a Christmas list, I simply listed a bike. There was no make or model described, so you can imagine my surprise when I actually got one. But there was no mistaking it. Bright and early Christmas morning I woke up to a beautiful new bike.I got it home, and didn't really know what to do with it. I was already running almost daily. When would I ever have time to ride this beautiful bike? Plus how would I ever be able to accomplish this? At least with running I can take the kids in the jogger.

Owen is still way too little for a bike trailer. So I decided I needed to get a bike trainer so I could set my bike up indoors and take it for a spin. Jeff set the trainer up, and for an entire week I couldn't bring myself to get on. I can't explain it, and it sounds totally dumb, but I was nervous. Finally one Saturday, while the boys were napping, the bike and I had our first "date." Boy, what an awkward experience. But I kept at.

At first, I was only seeing the bike a couple times a week. But as we became more comfortable with one another, it became a daily experience. Suddenly 3 months had passed. I was still running everyday, but I was also biking everyday. Sometimes it's hard juggling the two, but they are both so much fun, I didn't think I could give up either.

As much fun as I was having, I still didn't feel like I had totally "committed" to the bike. You see, although I was riding nearly every day, we had not gone "all the way." After 3 months of riding, I still had yet to ride the bike outside, on the actual road. So today, I took the plunge. And I am proud to say, I am no longer a virgin biker. This morning (yep I know, chastise me all you want, I admit... I broke the sabbath) I took the bike on a 12 mile loop, and it was awesome!

I was scared to death the entire time. Dozens of questions and fears continually ran through my head: What if I fall? What if I can't unclip fast enough? What if I stop on a hill, and have to get going again? What about stop lights? What about going downhill too fast? What if I can't keep up with the group? I am proud to say I encountered, and overcame every single one of fears, including falling. Yep, I fell, but not until the last five minutes of the ride.

By then I was feeling confident, maybe too confident. I took a corner too quickly, got stuck in the ridge between the street and the curb, hit the curb and flew off. Luckily I landed on grass. No major injuries, just a bruised ego, and some aches and pains.All in all, I think this will be an affair to both remember and continue.

******************************************

When Kelly isn't drinking Cherry Coke (with crushed ice), traveling the world, bike riding, wearing an apron, snowboarding, fabric obsessing, marathon training, playing housewife & mama to 3, or crafting up a storm, you can find her writing about her real life at According to Kelly. Or, visit her at Just Spotted - THE guide to Living, Visiting & Dreaming about Orange County.

It's 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:52:00 GMT

you probably haven't noticed, it's a new year. twenty ten. yep! i don't know about you, but it kinda snuck up on me. it's practically the end of january, & i'm finally getting around to working on my resolutions. but frankly it's hard. & bound to be disappointing. honestly, i don't think i'm ready for any disappointment quite yet. i'd rather twenty ten be a year of opportunity. so instead of making a list of things i'm going to do, that deep-inside i know i probably won't, i thought i'd make a list of things that i will not do in 2010, in no particular order.

image via flickr.

* i will not pretend i'm super mom.
* i will not stop crafting.
* i will not stop saying hell & damn, but i can promise you - that's the worst of it.
* i will not cut my own bangs.
* i will not stop loving the target $1 aisle.
* i will not stop blogging, although i won't promise that it will be daily.
* i will not maintain my eyebrows on my own.
* i will not use my husband's razor to shave my legs.
* i will not stop wishing i had a maid & a cook.
* i will not be afraid to get dirty.
* i will not stop going to disneyland weekly.
* i will not forget the truths about motherhood.
* i will not stop traveling. (even if i never travel past utah, at least i'm traveling.)
* i will not let life get me down.
* i will not let having children, stop me from snowboarding.
* i will not become a professional karaoke-er.
* i will not leave the toilet seat up.
* i will not be afraid of being real.
* i will not stop reading.
* i will not stop eating dessert.
* i will not stop wishing i could sleep more.
* i will not stop running, biking, swimming,or exercising in genearl.
* i will not be afraid to be me.
* i will not stop making spontaneous purchases.
* i will not stop ohhhing & ahhhing over my little girl.
* i will not stop eating cookies for breakfast.
* i will not stop trying to break my addiction.

so what will you not do in 2010?

Holiday treats for everyone

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:19:00 GMT

more holiday baking going on in these parts. last time we kept it simple, this time around we are getting fancy.

just kidding, these are super easy too. however there is some chocolate dipping involved. but seriously, it's not complicated... my 3-year became our designated chocolate dipper - it's that simple!

first of all, gather your supplies: nutter butter cookies, white chocolate baking chips or mini marshmallows, white chocolate for melting (you can use candy melts or white chocolate baking chips), mini m&m's, granulated sugar (optional), red sprinkles (the granulated sugar kind), red hots & some wax paper.

next, melt your chocolate using a double broiler, or using the microwave (my personal pick). then grab the center of your cookie & dip, baby, dip. the top portion is going to be santa's hat - so dip that a 1/4 or so of the way in, & the bottom is going to be santa's beard - so dip that a little less than 1/2 way. but don't worry about specifics... just do what you think looks good.

lay your cookies down on wax paper & sprinkle the top half (santa's hat) with the red sprinkles (if you leave just a touch of white chocolate peeking through it looks like his hat has a bit of a furry trim), & if you'd like, sprinkle his beard with the granulated sugar to give it a little extra "sparkle".
now, add a white chocolate chip, or mini marshmallow (i usually cut the marshmallow in half), in an off-center position on santa's hat for his pom pom. & using a little white chocolate, glue on some mini m&m's for eyes, & a red hot for his nose. & finally, after all that hard work, you've got your finished product.trust me, these will be a BIG hit at your house. EVERYONE will be volunteering to help. just make sure to have some extra supplies on hand, because i'm sure there will be some nibbling involved.ho! ho! ho!

Holiday Toy Express

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:11:00 GMT

There is soooo much happening in OC this weekend. I don't want to hear any complaints that you are bored - there is definitely something for everyone. Craft Bazaars, Holiday Tree Lighting's, FREE Museum Entries and so much more. For the ENTIRE list of what's going on in Orange County this weekend go HERE.

One of my favorite & most anticipated events happening this weekend is coming soon to a train station near you... the Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express. So what exactly is the Holiday Toy Express? It's a "450-ton train decorated with holiday displays and 50,000 twinkling lights that delivers a live musical performance, Santa, Mr. Clause & their friends... Santa's glittering train will travel from city to city, entertaining families and collecting toys for those in need of some holiday goodwill." So, before you bundle everyone up & head out to see Santa & his holiday train, please remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the the Southland Firefighters' "Spark of Love" toy drive. Local firefighters typically collect more than 100,000 annually during the toy drive. All toys collected will be distributed by firefighters to families in their local communities who may not be able to afford gifts this holiday season.

Below is a list of the Orange County train stations where Holiday Toy Express will be stopping. However if you are looing for the ENTIRE schedule of the 47-city tour, which will visit six counties go HERE.

Saturday, December 5th

Tustin, 5:45 pm

Irvine, 6:30 pm

Laguna Niguel/ Mission Viejo, 7:30 pm

San Juan Capistrano, 8:30pm

Sunday, December 6th

San Clemente North, 5:45pm

Camp Pendleton USMC, 7:15pm

San Clemente Pier, 8:45pm

Saturday, December 12th

Anaheim, 5:15pm

Orange, 6:00pm

Santa Ana, 7:00pm

Fullerton, 8:30pm

image via the Burbank Leader

OreO cOOKie SnOwMen

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:07:00 GMT

we started off the holiday baking with a little something that required absolutely no baking. actually, to be absolutely honest, very little was involved other than eating lots of mini m&ms, and a few oreo cookies, because they are super easy! but, in the end, our tummies were very full & we had a plate full of cute little snowmen. so now, to get you in the holiday mood, i present oreo cookie snowmen...

to start, gather your supplies... white fudged covered oreo cookies (yep! you read that right. you don't even have to dip the oreos in chocolate. i told you it was easy!), black & orange decorating gel, and if you want to get really fancy - mini m&ms, but those are totally optional.

step one: with your orange decorating gel draw a little sideways, triangular squiggle for the carrot nose.

next, using the black decorating gel, add two eyes & a mouth. then, ta da! your done. see... i told you it was easy. but if you want to get fancy... you could always add some accessories. perhaps some mini m&ms ear muffs (check out the very first picture. see that little guy sporting the yellow ear muffs?), or use the decorating gel to add a little scarf, the possibilities are endless.bet you can't make these, without getting frosty the snowman stuck in your head. have fun & be sure to eat an oreo or two for me.

This Weekend in Orange County

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these Orange County events...

Friday, November 27th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Holiday Hike at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2-3:30pm. Join the staff for a family friendly hike. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, FREE
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Saturday, November 28th:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Puttin' on the Glitz, San Clemente
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Sunday, November 29th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go! Want to list your very own event in the Just Spotted Calendar? Just submit your event informationHERE.

image via HERE.

3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:32:00 GMT

get ready... turn the oven on & tie on your favorite apron,because
today we're baking the easiest pumpkin cookies, EVER!

yep! yep! you read that right... 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies.i told
you this was going to be easy. all you need is: 1 boxed spice cakemix, 1 (15-ounce) can of solid pack pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
& 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate
chips.now hold onto your horses, this next part gets tricky...

see, i told you. the easiest cookies EVER!perfect for a
little pre-thanksgiving celebration, don't you think?

p.s. want to make 'em fancy? use white chocolate chips instead.

Oreo Cookie Turkeys

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:57:00 GMT

THESE bad boys are always a hit. anything that involves munching on oreo's is definitely a winner. i think the boys & i ate just as many as we made. want to make your own oreo cookie turkeys? then grab your supplies & let's get crafting. all you'll need is: double stuff oreo's, whoppers malted milk balls, some candy corn, & a toothpick or two.

step 1: twist one oreo cookie apart, trying to keep all the "cream" on one side of the cookie. lay the cookie half with the cream, chocolate side down... this will be the base of your turkey.

step 2: take a second oreo & place the entire oreo on it's side (so it sticks straight up in the air), wedged into the "cream" base.

step 3: in front of the oreo that is laying on it's side, place a malted milk ball for the turkey's head.

step 4: insert several candy corn, points down, into the cream filling of the oreo cookie that is standing on it's side, making feathers.

step 5: use the white tip of one of the candy corns for the beak & "glue" it on to the malted milk ball using a little oreo cooking cream.

step 6: finally, using a toothpick, dab some oreo cookie "cream" dots onto the malted milk ball for the eyes.

This Weekend in Orange County

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:50:00 GMT

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these happening events...

Friday, November 20th:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 6pm, $2
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Saturday, November 21st:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 4pm, $2
* LXM Pro Lacrosse Music Tour featuring Akon, Santa Ana Stadium, 10am - 10pm. Ticket for this professional lacrosse event range from $25 -$40.
* Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Fair, 9am-4pm
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.

* Kids "War Games" at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Sunday, November 22nd:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Kids "School of Soldiers" & Crafts at the Muzeo 12-4pm

* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go! Want to list your very own event in the Just Spotted Calendar? Just submit your event informationHERE.

p.s. Don't miss any of the Warehouse Sales this weekend... there are TONS! You can save yourself some HUGE bucks!

image via here.

Kids Save the Beach - Family Beach Clean-up

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:11:00 GMT

Get out your calendars, & grab that big red marker, because this is one event you definitely don't want to forget... This coming Wednesday, November 25th, from 10 am - Noon, is the first ever "Kids Save the Beach." Living in Southern California, I'm sure we can ALL agree that our beaches are something we are very extremely thankful for! This being the season of gratitude, Just Spotted, the Orange County Guide, has decided to team up with SaveOurBeach.org & This is Me - A Kid's First Keepsake Journal to bring you "Kids Save the Beach," a family beach clean-up morning.

So, Wednesday morning, November 25th (the day before Thanksgiving, how appropriate is that?) pile the entire family into the car, & head over to Seal Beach. They've thought of everything (all day parking passes, garbage bags, gloves will be provided), so all YOU have to do is - show up & participate. To even sweeten the deal, the first 200 kids, 12 & under, will receive a coupon for a FREE meal at Ruby's in Seal Beach. All kids over 12, will receive a coupon for a FREE slice of pizza at ZPizza. All adults will receive a coupon for one FREE dinner at Finbars (with the purchase of one dinner.) &, All kids who help pick up trash will receive a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win some fabulous prizes.Ready to join us? Here are all the specific details...

What: Kids Save the Beach - a family beach clean-up morning
When: Wednesday, November 25th, 10am - Noon
Where:15 1st St., Seal Beach, CA 90740 - meet at the beach parking lot at the end of 1st street (parking passes will be provided). Look for the blue canopy & the "Save our Beaches" sign
Provided: Everything. Unless, you want to stay at the beach after the clean up, you don't need to bring a thing.

This Weekend in Orange County

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these happening events...

Friday, November 13th:
* Diane's Beachwear Warehouse Sale
* Hurley Holiday Warehouse Sale
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 11am - 9pm, $10
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* At the Discovery Science Center: Head to Toe, All About Your Body and Mexico, Festival of Toys

Saturday, November 14th:
* Diane's Beachwear Warehouse Sale
* Hurley Holiday Warehouse Sale
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 10am - 9pm, $10
* Orange County Junior League Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, 9am-10:30am, $15 per person
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915. (cost is $3 for members & $5 for non-members)
* Children's Orchard M.O.M.S. Club Appreciation Day, 10am - 4pm
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Baby Loves Disco, 2 - 5pm
* Kids "War Games" at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* At the Discovery Science Center: Head to Toe, All About Your Body and Mexico, Festival of Toys

Sunday, October 15th:
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 10am - 5pm, $10
* American Indian Stories, Toys & Games at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 1-4pm. Hear stories and make your own toys Reservations required: (949)923-2235.
* Pet Expo, 10 am - 5pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Kids "School of Soldiers" & Crafts at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* At the Discovery Science Center: Head to Toe, All About Your Body and Mexico, Festival of Toys

image via flickr

The Christmas Company

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:57:00 GMT

This coming weekend, November 12th-15th, the Junior League of Orange County is hosting their always fabulous Christmas Company. Okay, I have to admit I've never actually been, but friends of mine, the type of people I definitely consider "in the know" swear this is one of the best events of the season. &, After perusing the schedule of events, I think I have to agree. It's sure to be a fabulous holiday boutique, but it's so much more! Here are a few of my favorite events...

Thursday, November 12th
* 6:30pm - 10:30pm: Opening Night Gala (including tastings from local restaurants, wines for Gallo Family Vineyards, live entertainment & a premier silent auction) & Cookbook Launch Party.

Friday, November 13th
* 9am - 11am: "Preferred Shopping Breakfast." V.I.P. treatment with 2 hours that you can "shop 'til you drop" before the Christmas Company opens to the general public.* 11am - 9pm: Shop 'til You Drop
* 12pm - 1:30pm: Drs. Stephanie McClellan & Beth Hamilton discuss their upcoming book: "So Stressed: The Devastating Effects of Stress on Women's Health & What You Need to Know to Restore Your Energy, Joy & Balance."
* 5pm - 7pm: Five time Olympic medalist Janet Evans will speak about inspiration, motivation and communication.

Saturday, November 14th:
* 9am - 10:30am: Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
* 10am - 9pm: Shop 'til You Drop

Sunday, November 15th:
* 10am - 5pm: Shop 'til You Drop

The funds raised by the Junior League of Orange County during this event are used to promote voluntarism, developing the potential of women & improving the community through the effective action and leadership of training volunteers - all very good causes, so you can feel good about spending money!

This Weekend in Orange County

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:15:00 GMT

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these happening events...

Friday, November 6th:
* Holiday Boutique at Newport Height Elementary School, 10 am - 4pm. FREE admission, 29 vendors selling unique gifts for the holidays.
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Saturday, November 8th:
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Holiday Mini Family Portrait Sessions in the Park, 9am-9pm, Huntington Beach Central Park. Session cost is $100 for 3o minutes (plus 2 5x7 prints and 2 high-resolution digital files). Contact Mark Tripp to schedule.
* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at yourlocal Home Depot, 9am-12pm. This month's project is a tile trivet.
* GSROC Family Pet Day Extravaganza. 11am - 3pm, Pittsford Park: 21701 Pittsford Dr., Lake Forest, CA. The perfect day out for your family & your favorite 4-legged friends.Lots of booths including face painting, pet adoption & even a pet whisperer.
* Harvest Faire Boutique, Noon - 4pm, 27102 Foxborough, Aliso Viejo, CA
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Kids "War Games" at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Hawt on Yelp Special (50% off select spa & salon services)
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Sunday, November 8th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Irvine Lake Trout Opener
* Kids "School of Soldiers" & Crafts at the Muzeo 12-4pm
* Stuart Little at the Laguna Playhouse
* Hawt on Yelp Special (50% off select spa & salon services)
* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* Spooky Science at Discovery Science Center

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go!

image via HERE.

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:22:00 GMT

I scream, you scream. We all scream for Ice Cream. That's right, if you haven't heard the buzz yet, the Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant that you remember from your childhood, is opening today! Located at the Shops at Mission Viejo, right across from PF Chang's. Farrell's offers full-service dining, a HUGE candy area filled with specialty, hard-to-find & old-fashioned candies, lots of fun & of course - lots of ice cream. Employees wearing pin-striped vests, ties & cane hats, the banging of the Farrell's drum, the siren whirling, & the whistle blowing, even the Zoo (a ginormous dessert with over 40 scoops of ice cream) has made it's return... everything that you remember from your childhood, only better. I can't wait to do a little "time warp," kids in tow.

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant
799A The Shops at Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949)364-5411F

this is halloween.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:30:00 GMT

i can hardly believe that Halloween is already here! hopefully, you've stocked up on candy & your costumes are picked out. i have to admit, i've we've had our costumes picked from the moment i found out i was having a girl. (with a 4 year who thinks he's going on 15, this is definitely one of the last few years i'll have any control over the costume choices - so we went with the peter pan, captain hook & tinkerbell theme... fair warning, possible tulle overload.)

images courtesy of ana brandt

seeing as halloween only comes once a year, you better get your "fill" this weekend. looking for a something "halloween-ey" to do? check out one, two or all of these orange county halloween happenings...

saturday, october 31st:
* FREE admission at orange county museum of art for costumed trick-or-treaters, 3-5pm
* FREE pumpkin launch at cal state fullerton, 9am-12pm
* tanaka farms pumpkin patch, FREE admission
* spooky science: skeletons at the discovery science center
* irvine park railroad pumpkin patch, irvine regional park
* halloween at the orange county zoo, 10am-4pm. crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.
* anaheim spooktacular halloween parade & fall festival: FREE admission
* halloween parade at the HB equestrian center, 2pm (no horse necessary)
* HB halloween fest on main street, 4pm-8pm
* la palma halloween carnival, 5:30-8:30pm at la palma central park
* haunted fullerton walking tour, 6:00pm
* cypress halloween carnival, 8:30pm community center
* halloween family fun at irvine ranch outdoor education center, 4-8pm
* the empty grave haunted house
* the terry haunt haunted house
* the haunting haunted house. FREE admission.
* benedict august haunted house 530 s. illinois st., anaheim, FREE
* sinister pointe haunted house
* cook haunt haunted house
* coffin creek haunted house

xoxo, K